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Funeral Apprentice Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Embalmer

Glendora, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred Licenses * Must meet all licensing ...

Embalmer

Glendora, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred Licenses * Must meet all licensing ...

Funeral Apprentice information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$20

$26

How much do funeral apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral apprentice in Riverside, CA is $20.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a funeral apprentice?

A Funeral Apprentice is a trainee who works under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer to learn the skills and responsibilities of the funeral profession. Duties typically include preparing bodies, assisting with funeral services, meeting with families, and handling administrative tasks. This role provides hands-on experience and is often a step toward obtaining full licensure. Apprentices must follow state regulations and complete required training hours. It is a demanding yet rewarding career focused on providing compassionate care to grieving families.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a funeral apprentice?

To excel as a Funeral Apprentice, you should possess a foundational knowledge of mortuary science, attention to detail, and the ability to follow legal and ethical guidelines, typically demonstrated by enrollment in a funeral service education program or relevant training. Familiarity with embalming equipment, funeral management software, and safety protocols is often required. Compassion, emotional resilience, and strong interpersonal communication skills are vital soft skills for supporting grieving families and working alongside licensed funeral directors. These abilities ensure respectful, organized, and compliant funeral services while maintaining sensitivity to the needs of those experiencing loss.

What does a typical workday look like for a funeral apprentice?

A typical day for a Funeral Apprentice involves assisting licensed funeral directors with preparing the deceased, arranging service logistics, and supporting families throughout the funeral process. You may help with tasks such as documentation, coordinating visitations, embalming under supervision, and setting up ceremonies. The role often includes both office-based work with administrative duties and hands-on work in funeral homes or crematories. Funeral Apprentices work closely with a small team, gaining exposure to every aspect of funeral service, which helps build skills and knowledge for eventual licensure.

How to become a funeral apprentice?

To become a funeral apprentice, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced funeral directors. Some states or employers may require relevant coursework in mortuary science or related fields, and obtaining licensure or certification can enhance job prospects.

What does a funeral apprentice do at a funeral home?

A funeral apprentice assists funeral directors with tasks such as preparing bodies, arranging transportation, and setting up funeral services. They learn about mortuary practices, sanitation procedures, and customer service while gaining hands-on experience in a funeral home environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Funeral jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Funeral Apprentice jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Funeral Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Funeral Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Funeral Apprentice job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,078 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$27 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Service Corporation International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services


Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Performs all embalming activities of the deceased correctly and respectfully.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cares for deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which include: verifying identification and embalming authorization; performing restorations; completing removals and transfers; dressing, styling hair and or applying cosmetics, and; any other preparation required for human remains
  • Adheres to all applicable professional, municipal, state/provincial and federal licensing authority regulations
  • Assists with maintenance of preparation room and the facility
  • Cleans soiled equipment and hazardous material spills
  • Ensures hazardous materials and spills are handled in accordance with the Material Data Safety Sheets
  • Assists with chemical and supply inventory
  • Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies
  • Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Graduation from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province law

Experience

  • Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law
  • 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred

Licenses

  • Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law and as prescribed by each state board
  • Current state/province issued driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Acceptable driving record
  • Ability to lift over 75 pounds
  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office products required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills

Pay:

  • $27.00 - $29.00 an hour based on experience

Benefits:

  • Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)*Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program

As part of your pre-employment background check, your criminal conviction history will be verified given that this role requires the following material job duties: Working around and/or handling deceased and working around families and colleagues. Convictions creating a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with the identified job duties may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer.

Postal Code: 91740Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-CA - Glendora

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